Njabulo Ndebele’s ‘The Cry Of Winnie Mandela’ Makes Its Way To The Theatre Stage

One thing you have got to love about the arts, is how stories of our icons can be told in various mediums; from literature to film, audio and theatre, etc.

The Cry Of Winnie Mandela is an upcoming play based on the novel by Njabulo S. Ndebele released in 2003, set to debut at the Market Theatre in Johannesburg, South Africa from 30th March - 21st April 2024.

About the book
The author portrays four women whose lives have been spent waiting for their men to return, like Odysseus’ Penelope. They question themselves and each other about why they waited and what this waiting did to them. This leads them to imaginary conversations with Winnie Mandela, the most famous of the South African women who waited.

How the story unfolds
According to The Market Theatre, through the imagination of a literary professor, the action centres on the stories of four women who reflect on a period of waiting during the absence of their men. Between intense emotional moments and cleverly injected humour, the dynamic theatrical adaptation weaves together their private accounts, exposing the shadows, isolation, and complexities of their evocative experiences. A series of intimate and powerful conversations unfold as the characters reveal the profound impact of this period of their life, delving into the depths of their longing and uncertainty as they forge their stories to that of the life and times of Winnie Mandela.

Cast & crew
Adapted by Alex Burger and directed by Momo Matsunyane, the much-anticipated production boasts a talent-studded cast of six seasoned actors with five women and one man: Rami Chuene, Nambitha Mpumlwana, Ayanda Sibisi, Siyasanga Papu, and Pulane Rampoana and Les Nkosi while the creative team includes: Wilhelm Disbergen as Set & LX Designer, Onthatile Matshidiso as Costume Designer and Vangile Mpumlwana as Sound & AV Designer.

Tickets are available here.

Is it safe to say Winnie Madikizela-Mandela is the most documented South African revolutionary female icon?

Sources: Njabulo S. Ndebele Website | The Market Theatre